Generation Aggregates - PFA for building materials

RWE Power International supplies PFA to some of the UK’s largest manufacturers of building materials, including Hanson and H+H UK Limited.

Concrete

PFA can be used in ready-mixed concrete, concrete blocks and other concrete products, primarily as a replacement for cement.

The benefits of using PFA in concrete include:

• increased long-term strength
• improved durability and finish
• reduced thermal cracking
• reduced segregation
• reduced bleeding
• reduced permeability

The replacement of Portland cement with PFA reduces the greenhouse gas signature of concrete by lowering the emission of CO₂.

Cement

PFA can be used in the production of cement as a replacement for raw materials like clay or shale. It can also be used to supplement cement clinker, thereby producing more cement per tonne of quarried material.

Ceramic products

The properties of PFA make it an excellent raw material replacement in the manufacture of ceramic based products, such as bricks.

Aside from reducing the need to use primary raw materials, utilising PFA can improve the finish of ceramic products, as well as reducing drying shrinkage and providing additional strength.

Aerated blocks

PFA can be used as an alternative for ground sand in the manufacture of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Blocks (sometimes known as Aircrete or AAC Blocks). The use of PFA in aerated block manufacture results in an increased durability and high insulation values, making the blocks suitable for the construction of building foundations.